[Greens-Media] Senator Nettle banned from visiting immigration
detainees during APEC
Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)
Jon.Edwards at aph.gov.au
Wed Sep 5 18:41:19 EST 2007
05.09.07
> Senator Nettle banned from visiting immigration detainees during APEC
>
> Australian Greens Immigration spokesperson Senator Nettle has been denied access to Villawood Immigration Detention Centre for the entire duration of APEC with the department citing > '> security concerns> '> as the reason to ban Senator Nettle.
>
> Senator Nettle had planned to visit detainees at Villawood detention centre as part of a semi-regular visiting schedule on Thursday but discovered that the department had restricted visiting arrangements during APEC.
>
> "> I am shocked that I am being refused permission to visit a detention centre because of APEC,> "> said Senator Nettle.
>
> "Immigration detainees should not be denied visits just because George Bush is in town.
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> "> It makes you wonder whether the government is ashamed of their immigration detention centre and want to hide this shame from the world> '> s journalists?
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> "> If the government is so proud of its immigration system, why has it locked it down for the duration of APEC?
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> "> The department stated possible protests and concern for my safety as the reason for denying entry to the centre.
>
> "> The government should not be exploiting APEC as an excuse to shut down access to government facilities.
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> "> The collective paranoia about APEC protests should not be used to implement a police state. Many Australians are wondering what has happened to our freedoms and democratic rights.
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> "> Immigration is part of my portfolio responsibilities and the government is stopping me from conducting legitimate parliamentary business.> ">
>
> Refusal letter from the Department of Immigration available on request.
>
> Contact: Kristian Bolwell 0411 638 320
>
>
>
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